Reading 98 Engine codes

[scot850]

I helped a young friend recently with her ABS module as her local repair shops were not able to read the codes. While I know many of the sub systems cannot be checked with regular OBDII testers (ABS/Trans for example), I thought engine check light codes could be. I have not had a 98 for over 5 years. I think I have an ELM OBDII bluetooth tester somewhere, but is there a recommended APP that can work with them? I do have a VAG-COM cable somewhere as well, but not Vol-fcr. My old laptop is out of room with VIDA on it but I could try loading it onto a external hard-drive.

I know this comes up as a subject from time to time but I have had challenges with trying to download Vol-fcr previously.

Neil.

[RickHaleParker]

I think I have an ELM OBDII bluetooth tester somewhere, but is there a recommended APP that can work with them?

850 OBD-II by Xiaotec. There is more information on 850 OBD-II in the VIDA, VADIS, DiCE form. Xiaotec is MVS member Xanthefin.

Xiaotec 850 OBD-II is based on work done by Richard H. Jones, MVS member esl_97_850_T5.

[scot850]

As always Rick, many thanks. I just found a thread where you mentioned this. Always willing to support an MVS member if I can!

I am not sure how old my ELM327 reader is. I have just found it. I seem to recall using this several years ago I think with the Torque APP but not sure now.

Also amazing what you find when looking for something else! I found I have an Autel MaxiDiag Elite MD802 OBDII (and Pre-OBDII) tester. I think I bought this on a recommendation from abscate a couple of years ago before house renos and moving. I have just looked up their web-page and according to the it can read most functions on -98 Volvos with OBD plug in. This includes 850/960!

I have found a copy of Vol-fcr which I now can't recall but I think you may have sent me a few years back on my old Vida laptop I use. I think I did not un-button it as my laptop is almost max'd out. I downloaded it to a Passport external drive so I can try that as well. Should be able to read most things if all to be believed!

May thanks again! You can always be relied on to help dinosaurs like me on this stuff!

Neil.

[RickHaleParker]

I am not sure how old my ELM327 reader is. I have just found it. I seem to recall using this several years ago I think with the Torque APP but not sure now.

There is a app on Google Play that will test the ELM327.

"Use this app to identify the real ELM327 version you have, because a lot of China clone adapters often declare a wrong ELM327 compatibility."

I never could get VOL-FCR to work reliably. Even iLexa admits VOL-FCR is picky about the interface and does not play well with others. VOL-FCR is way way over priced for buggy software.

[scot850]

Well I fortunately have a cracked version of Vol-fcr I got a while back. I will try it just to see if it works.

I'll look into the APP you suggest. I know I used the ELM327 before several years ago. It was purchase from a US company although it is made in China.

Appreciate the help again!

Neil.

[scot850]

Well, I had some success and some disappointments. Biggest issues is I need a 97/98 P80 so I can spend more time figuring out the reasons some processes did not work.

1) Basic hand held Autel. It pulled the code P0440 but gave nothing else in terms of what the code was.
2) Canadian Tire tester. It also pulled the code and said general emissions code. On 99- it will check for Volvo specific codes but on -98 it does not do that.
3) Autel 802. It came up with the same code, but drilled down further and came up with another code 816? I think but gave no more details. I haven't used this before so maybe there is more I can get from it.
4) Vol-FCR. Kept coming up with could not find COMM port 1 error.
5) OBD 850 and Bluetooth ELM327. Could not get this to work with my Android phone. Kept looking for a pass code but none was supplied.

So more work to do! At least I know where to start for the repairs.

Neil.

[RickHaleParker]

5) OBD 850 and Bluetooth ELM327. Could not get this to work with my Android phone. Kept looking for a pass code but none was supplied.

Most pass codes are 1234 or 0000.

[scot850]

Thanks Rick.

Tried both of those and said could not connect. I'll try it again on another car and see if I can get this to work. I was sure I had used this before but likely with an older android phone.

Neil.

[RickHaleParker]

Tried both of those and said could not connect. I'll try it again on another car and see if I can get this to work. I was sure I had used this before but likely with an older android phone.

Sometimes on mine, I need to delete any ODBII interfaces from the phone settings, then pair the ODBII interface to the phone before I can get a connection.

[scot850]

I will try that too. Thanks again!

Neil.